10 Affordable Online MBA in Human Resources Programs 2025

Human resources (HR) professionals are in charge of managing the company's relationship with its employees. As a result, they need problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as knowledge of topics like employment law and labor relations.

Many HR professionals learn these competencies through a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in human resource management. While graduate degrees can be expensive, there are many affordable MBA options for students. Keep reading to discover low-cost MBAs in human resource management.

What Is a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources?

An MBA in human resources is a graduate business degree with a special focus on human resources. All MBA programs include core business courses, but many also allow or require students to choose a concentration that aligns with their career goals.

An MBA with a human resources concentration includes core courses in general business, but also includes courses on key HR topics, such as HR management, talent management, and organizational behavior.

How Much Does an Online MBA in Human Resources Cost?

The cost of an online MBA can vary significantly depending on the program you choose, the number of credits it requires, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and what financial aid you qualify for, such as grants and scholarships.

Some programs cost as little as $400 per credit hour. However, there are many schools that charge over $1,000 per credit hour for an online MBA.

Cheapest Online Human Resources MBA Programs

As mentioned, the cost of an online MBA in human resource management can vary. Below, we've highlighted some of the most affordable online MBA programs in human resource management in the U.S.

1. Wichita State University

Wichita State University is a public research institution in Wichita, KS. It offers an online MBA with several concentrations, including human resource management (HRM).

This specialization teaches students how to implement appropriate rewards and incentives to enhance workforce performance. It charges the same low in-state tuition rate for all online students, no matter where they live. A total of 36 credits are required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350.73 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 to 24 months
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

2. Fort Hays State University

At Fort Hays State University, students can choose from over a dozen concentrations for their online MBA. The human resource management concentration helps students develop their HR skill set in areas like recruiting, retention, training, benefits, and compensation.

FHSU, a public university, is located in Hays, KS. It requires 33 credit hours for its MBA and has some of the lowest tuition rates in the U.S.

• Estimated tuition cost: $385.74 per credit hour
• Program length: Less than two years
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Clayton State University

Clayton State University offers an online human resource management MBA to graduate students. Clayton is a public institution in Morrow, GA.

The program includes core courses in areas like financial management and decision-making, as well as HR-focused courses on topics like talent development and consulting. It requires 33 credit hours and takes three consecutive semesters to complete.

• Estimated tuition cost: $395 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Wayne State College

The online MBA degree program at Wayne State College offers an HRM specialization. In addition to general business management courses, students cover topics like employment law and labor relations.

WSC, located in Wayne, NE, is a public university. Its HRM MBA requires 36 total credit hours and offers eight and 16-week terms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $412 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: HLC and International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

5. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina A&T State University is a public research historically Black university (HBCU) in Greensboro, NC. It offers an MBA in HRM with a curriculum certified by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Students take core courses that cover topics like business analytics and strategic management, as well as courses on HR competencies like staffing, employee relations, and benefits. Students must complete 36 credits, including a final capstone course.

• Estimated tuition cost: $416.67 per credit hour (in-state); $732.72 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Sam Houston State University

Students at Sam Houston State University will find an online MBA with several concentrations, including human resource management. This specialization prepares students to become HR professionals through courses on team leadership, staffing, compensation management, and more.

SHSU, a public research university, is located in Huntsville, TX. It requires 36 credits for the MBA and offers three start dates a year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $321.25 per credit hour (in-state); $826.25 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and AACSB

7. Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University offers an online MBA in human resource management program for those wanting to excel in HR roles. Fitchburg State is a public university in Fitchburg, MA.

The HRM master's degree trains students in human resource development, workforce planning, and compensation and benefits. It requires 30 total credits, including one free elective course.

• Estimated tuition cost: $436 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and IACBE

8. University of West Florida

The College of Business at the University of West Florida offers an online HRM MBA program. The curriculum aligns with the SHRM HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates and includes courses on performance management, strategic management, and more.

UWF, located in Pensacola, FL, is a public university. The HRM program requires 36 credit hours, and most full-time students can finish within 16 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $456.50 per credit hour
• Program length: 16 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC and AACSB

9. Indiana Institute of Technology

The Indiana Institute of Technology is a private, nonprofit university in Fort Wayne, IN. It offers an online MBA in HRM in two formats: traditional online or the ''Pacesetter'' (self-paced) format.

Both options require 30 credits and cover topics like employment law, labor relations, and compensation management. The traditional online option charges per credit, while the Pacesetter option charges per six-month term.

• Estimated tuition cost: $545 per credit hour or $5,500 per term
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: HLC and IACBE

10. National University

Through National University, students can earn an MBA in human resource management online. The university offers a group-based learning model and an individual-based learning model.

National University, a nonprofit, private institution, is based in San Diego. It requires 45 quarter credits for the class-based option and 30 semester credits for the individual-based option.

• Estimated tuition cost: $578 per credit (class-based); $867 per credit (individual-based)
• Program length: One year
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCOC), AACSB (individual-based), and IACBE (class-based)

How We Rank Schools

To choose the online MBA programs in human resource management, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All programs come from accredited universities, and many are IACBE or AACSB-accredited.
• Affordability: All MBAs offer tuition rates under $600 per credit hour for in-state students.
• Program reputation: Every school listed offers a high-quality MBA degree.

What To Expect From an Online HR MBA Program

In an online MBA program, you'll start by taking core business courses. Course topics can vary between business schools, but often include general business management, financial management, strategic management, and marketing.

Then, you'll have coursework focused on HR management. These courses will typically cover topics like:

• compensation and benefits
• employment law
• labor relations
• organizational behavior
• recruitment and staffing
• talent management

You may also be required to conclude the program with a capstone course or project.

FAQs About Online MBA in Human Resources Programs

An MBA in HRM is a great option for aspiring human resources professionals. We've highlighted some frequently asked questions about these master's degrees below.

How Much Does an Online HR MBA Program Cost?

HR MBAs can range in cost from less than $400 per credit to over $1,000 per credit. Typically, your total tuition will be anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000. This can be a lot, but it's worth it when you consider that the average MBA in human resources salary is over $100,000 per year.

Your costs will depend on several factors, including how many credits you need, whether or not you have transfer credits, and the financial aid you qualify for. Many schools offer gift aid, like scholarships, to help students pay for their graduate programs.

Do I Need a Bachelor's in Business To Apply?

While you will need a bachelor's degree for an online MBA, it doesn't necessarily need to be in business. However, if your degree is in another field, you may need to take a few prerequisite courses before you begin.

Are Online HR MBA Programs Respected by Employers?

Yes, online HR MBAs are respected by employers. It's very common for students to earn MBAs online.

Can I Get SHRM Certified After Graduation?

You will be eligible for the SHRM Certified Professional credential, but a degree is not a requirement for this certification. You just need to be interested in HRM career opportunities and to pass the certification exam.

How Long Does It Take To Finish an HR MBA Online?

Most HR MBAs take one year of full-time study, but some can take up to two years.

Discover Online MBA Programs

Find the perfect HR MBA program for you by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about the admission process, enrollment, and financial aid.